Yes, more difficult to raise and maintain because salt water fish breath in their water and can not adapt to as many fluctuations in water quality, temp, etc. The few vital parameters in salinity, temp and ph must be closely monitored, so you must check and double check your salinity to make absolutely sure that it is within the normal range. Daily evaporation makes topping off another essential routine.
So the initial investment of equipment is more expensive, as you should get top of the line quality on heaters (submersible) and filters, (I think fluvial cannisters are the best) and protein skimmers. Oh yes, don't forget the lighting. Then the live sand and live rock are another investment if you are going to do it right with a natural biological filter that harbors beneficial bacteria, microalgae, and tiny animals all vital to the biological balance of the system.
If you really love those fishies, saltwater can be lots of fun, but do alot of research first.
c-c